Motorcycle noise limit needs to be more strict

Tuesday

Dec 27, 2011 at 2:00 AM

A Rockingham County judge's recent ruling that prevents towns from imposing motorcycle noise limits lower than those imposed by the state, has, for now, ended a controversy over whether North Hampton police should enforce a motorcycle noise ordinance town voters approved in 2010.

A Rockingham County judge's recent ruling that prevents towns from imposing motorcycle noise limits lower than those imposed by the state, has, for now, ended a controversy over whether North Hampton police should enforce a motorcycle noise ordinance town voters approved in 2010.

But motorcycle noise remains a problem.

The state limit of 106 decibels for motorcycles is too loud. New Hampshire should require that motorcycles do not exceed the 80-decibel noise standard of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

This isn't just a matter of common courtesy but also public health.

Sustained exposure to noise in excess of 85 decibels is a health hazard.

Many people are frustrated with loud motorcycles, and we don't blame them. Workers exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels for eight hours should wear hearing protection, according to the Occupational and Safety Health Administration. Why should any of us walking down the street be exposed to 106-decibel noise levels, even for a short time?

North Hampton Police Chief Brian Page refused to enforce the 80-decibel ordinance in his town, calling it unconstitutional and unenforceable. But he has consistently called for the state to lower the decibel levels. In a 2010 Hampton Union story, Page said he had "no use" personally for motorcycles and moved off a main road in Hampton because he didn't like the noise they make.

Page and other police chiefs and the N.H. State Police have partnered with Seacoast Motorcyles and attempted outreach efforts to get motorcyclists to be quieter. But there's only so much progress police can make without a change in the law.

To give more teeth to efforts to cut down motorcycle noise, we suggest supporting House Bill 1442, which cuts the maximum noise level for motorcycles to EPA standards. The bill is due to be introduced in 2012 and is sponsored by state Reps. Michele Peckham, R-North Hampton; Patrick Abrami, R-Stratham; Will Smith, R-New Castle; and James Waddell, R-Hampton.

The bill was written, Peckham said, knowing that three attempts in the past four years to change the noise law have failed. That's one of the reasons why the bill wouldn't go into effect until Jan. 1, 2013, said Peckham, noting it is modeled after a California law.

The bill would grandfather all motorcycles on the road today that are compliant with the state's 106-decibel standard, giving motorcycle dealers time to deplete their inventories, Peckham said. However, the bill would require any motorcycle brought in for service after the legislation's effective day to be equipped with EPA-compliant mufflers at that time. Violators would be hit with fines of no less than $350 on the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.

We know New Hampshire is home to motorcycle riders who are very protective of their rights and have made their presence known at the Statehouse, making their case to prevent restrictions. We also know motorcyclists deserve their place on the state's roads and many riders already comply with the EPA's 80-decibel noise standard.

HB 1442 is a fair way to move toward 100 percent compliance in New Hampshire. We hope everyone — motorcyclist or not — will support it.

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